A small yacht, a sea dotted with islands, deserted coves at dawn, a three-course lunch facing the azure, followed by lively stops in the heart of historic cities at sunset: here is the delightful itinerary of My Wish, an intimate boat that transforms Croatia into a chic and relaxed playground. This embarked chronicle guides you from Dubrovnik to Šibenik, via Korčula, Hvar, Brač, and Split, between swims, tastings, strolls, and moments of pure idleness on deck.
On board My Wish, the codes of classic cruising are inverted. No night navigation to reach a port at dawn, but a gentle set in motion as soon as the sun paints the water with golden reflections. We glide from island to island without ever losing sight of the land—Croatia has more than a thousand islands and islets along its coastline—and, every day, the program emphasizes simplicity: a morning swim in a deserted cove, a gourmet lunch on board, followed by a guided walk in a port town. In the evening, it’s off to the restaurants by the quay, for tables by the water at very friendly prices.
Mornings with the scent of the sea: swims and secret coves
The first ritual is the swimming stop. The rear platform lowers, and the crew unfolds inflatable kayaks, paddleboards, and fins. You dive into crystal-clear blue water, surrounded by coves edged with pines and cliffs softened by light. A few strokes, a paddle stroke, the feeling of having privatized the Mediterranean. It’s the signature moment of this journey: simple, rare luxury that gives time a silky texture.
Life on board My Wish
Spaces and ambiance
Designed for only 36 passengers, My Wish embodies the spirit of a yacht. The main deck features a dining room bathed in sea air that opens onto a covered terrace with plush sofas. Above, an outdoor lounge invites long conversations, while the sun deck spreads out its sunbeds… and its hot tub to contemplate the passing islands. At the front, more space to bask; at the back, the sea within reach of a ladder.
Cabins and comfort
The cabins are divided between those with balconies and those semi-below deck, equipped with portholes at eye level. Well-designed bathrooms, TVs with international channels, euro-chic decor—deep blacks, silky grays, touches of chrome—: elegance is everywhere, but without fuss. You sleep rocked by the swell, awakened by the curiosity of the next anchorage.
Flavors of the sea and sun
Breakfast & unlimited coffee
In the morning, everyone composes: a “ fry-up” version (bacon, sausages), Mediterranean option (grilled vegetables, cheeses, hams), market fruits—juicy peaches and apricots—and eggs to order. The self-service coffee machine flows real espresso at any time, the official fuel for the contemplative.
Three-course lunches and exceptional dinners
The lunch is a three-part rendezvous, sometimes in a generous buffet version—melting octopus, large shrimp, porcini risotto, seafood pasta, beef steak… Only two evenings take place on board: the welcome dinner and the captain’s dinner (four savory acts where the sea leads the dance, from ink risotto to grilled fish). The rest of the time, we wander off to sample local tables, often by the water, with unbeatable pleasure-price ratios.
Iconic stops, from south to north
Dubrovnik, stone and sea
After landing, the scenic road overlooks the old town and its ramparts to the port of Gruž, under the elegant Franjo Tuđman bridge. Sparkling welcome, first stroll to the Old Town with the cruise director, followed by an urban swim at Banje beach. In the evening, welcome dinner and a bright certainty: the week promises to be beautiful.
The Ston peninsula and its oysters
Departing in front of the Dubrovnik ramparts, swimming stop in a hidden bay, then heading to Slano and transfer to Mali Ston. A small boat drops us off on an islet of oyster farmers: oysters to your heart’s content, mussels, white wine, and salty laughter—all included. In the evening, a captain’s dinner is accompanied by a musical trio while, far offshore, a storm sketches a sound and light show.
Korčula, in the footsteps of Marco Polo
Deep blue morning, swimming in front of Korčula, then docking in the eponymous town that claims Marco Polo. The stone streets resonate with clinking glasses and clattering footsteps; we dine on the terrace—grilled octopus and truffle risotto—before a walk on the ramparts, bathed in amber light.
Hvar and Jelsa, between cellars and operas
Extended swimming in a cove where pines sing under the effect of cicadas, then docking at Jelsa, the authentic soul of the island of Hvar. At Vina Tomić, a monumental cellar inspired by the palace of Diocletian hosts a tasting of Plavac Mali (with cheeses, charcuterie, and olives). Stop by Hvar Town, bustling with yachts and elegant crowds, opera music for a symbolic national date, and back in Jelsa, legendary fried calamari at the Obala, under the stars.
Brač: Zlatni Rat and Pučišća
In Bol, a cheeky little train drops us off at the pebbly tip of Zlatni Rat—the Golden Horn—where currents shape the beach with each breeze. Return on foot via the coastal path, then anchor at Pučišća, a stone amphitheater renowned for its stone masons’ school whose works have traveled to the White House and Notre-Dame de Paris. Meeting with a master craftsman and his monumental model of Saint Peter of Rome, followed by a swim, nearly full moon, and dinner by the water.
Split, palace, and passion
We glide past cliffs covered in green, anchor in front of an almost secret beach, then slide towards Split. Bustling market, ferries displaying, tour of the interiors of the palace of Diocletian and its streets leading to marble squares. In the evening, the city vibrates: supporters in red-white-blue heading to Poljud, and later, a saffron risotto topped with a gold leaf in a chic address.
Šibenik and the Krka waterfalls
Last swim in the turquoise setting of Zlarin, then majestic entry into the canal guarded by the fortress of Saint Nicholas and mooring in Šibenik. Included excursion to Krka: walkways over water, waterfalls like a curtain of pearls. In the evening, discreet terrace at Šešula, grilled fish, stewed calamari, wise bills, and sunset in cinemascope. The last morning stretches at Banj beach before the return flight.
Tips and best practices
• Remember: it’s the yacht life! The rhythm consists of sailing, swimming, and contemplation. Slow down, breathe, savor.
• The stops are delightful but often brief: swims and lunch occupy the first part of the day. Prioritize what you want to see in town.
• The team can recommend and book restaurants, but also let chance guide you: simple addresses by the water are often the most memorable, late open, and very affordable.
• In the evening, you often dine on land. On board, the atmosphere remains cozy and relaxed; you reunite with a few companions at the bar, looking up at the constellations.
Practical information and related inspirations
The 7-night itineraries run from May to October, with breakfast, lunch, two dinners, private transfers, excursions, and wifi included. Flights, tips, and port taxes are extra. Prices start at around £1,995 per person depending on the period and room category.
Want to extend the Mediterranean vein before or after Croatia? A trip by catamaran in the Calanques offers another face of azure and cliffs. Prefer a large cruise ship and good deals? Check out Costa Cruises promotions.
To vary the pleasures on land, a camping adventure in Languedoc checks the nature box without giving up the sea, while a urban treasure hunt for the young will awaken families’ explorer spirit between two trips.
And if this iodized interlude ignites a desire for a change of course, here’s a handy guide for settling across the Rhine: resources for expatriates in Germany. Because sometimes, a cruise leads to much more than just a change of scenery.
